Combating terrorism requires collective efforts

Rwanda is hosting the on-going FBI Academy alumni meeting. The high level four-day conference, the first of its kind in East Africa, has attracted academy graduates from 22 African and Middle East countries.Among the key issues being discussed is combating terrorism. Rwanda has been a victim of terrorism, where a spate of grenade attacks - coordinated by the FDLR and is fugitive allies - has left several innocent civilians injured. While most of the suspects have been arrested and are facing charges, the masterminds, are living freely in other countries. Unless all suspects are arrested and tried, terrorism will continue to be a complex battle.No single country can unilaterally fight terrorism. During the first day of the on-going FBI meeting, it was observed that through global cooperation, crimes, including terrorism can be defeated.It’s high time the various jurisdictions established stronger cooperation and commitment to fight crime. This commitment must translate into actions. It is unacceptable for suspects to live freely. It only enables them to carry out their terrorist acts. Peace and security should be every one’s concern. If countries are to achieve their goals, it is imperative that global security threats are dealt with decisively. Any country that harbours known terrorist suspects, is not only putting innocent citizens at risk, but promoting the culture of impunity. Ends

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Combating terrorism requires collective efforts